Story By Katie Hightower
On Nov. 1, the USDA suspended SNAP benefits until federal funding becomes available to the program. Those affected by the cut funding find themselves in search for help with food. Jackson County has many individuals, businesses, groups and organizations that are willing to help.
Though SNAP benefits were suspended and no new benefits will be issued during the suspension, individuals can still apply for benefits and current SNAP recipients must also continue to re-certify, report and submit documentation so there will be no delays in benefits once funding is resumed.
The WIC program will continue its operations to help women, infants and children with food assistance.
In response to the funding cuts, many restaurants are offering free meals or discounted meals during the month of November. Toros Cantina will offer free meals to children 12 and under and senior citizens affected by the shutdown dine-in only. Buenavista Scottsboro will offer its 99 cent taco special for the first week of November. Jefferson’s Scottsboro will offer free kids meals to dine-in children ages 12 and under until SNAP benefits get restored (one meal per child per day). KC’s BBQ began offering free dine-in kids meals to children 12 and under until SNAP benefits are restored.
Blessing boxes are set up throughout Jackson County to help those in need. Locations of the boxes include St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scottsboro; the Garden of Hope near the Jackson County Juvenile Probation office; Holy Smokes BBQ, Scottsboro; Kid’s First Pediatrics, Scottsboro; CC's Corner, Scottsboro; Scottsboro Rec*Com, Scottsboro; New Hope Global Methodist Church, Scottsboro; Hollywood Plaza, Hollywood; between Dutton Town Hall and the Dollar General, Dutton; beside Vicki’s Flowers and Gifts, Section; Woodville Public Library, Woodville.
Many churches in Jackson County have pantries to help those in need including Roaches Cove Baptist Church, Fackler; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scottsboro; First United Methodist Church, Scottsboro; Living Word Ministries, Scottsboro; Paint Rock Missionary Baptist Church, Paint Rock; Pleasant View Baptist Church, Dutton; Rosalie Baptist Church, Pisgah, and Macklin Baptist Church, Pisgah.
Organizations that help with food distribution include Salvation Army, Scottsboro on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Jacob’s Well Ministry on the third Saturdays of the month from. 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (must bring photo ID with proof of residency like a utility bill). Grace Thrift will distribute food at 7:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist in Stevenson. Other organizations included Helping Hands Pantry with Union Primitive Baptist Church; the Flat Rock Community Center and for Jackson County residents on Sand Mountain, the Upper Sand Mountain Parrish.
For those looking to help, several non-profit groups will be taking donations. 12 Bushels Food Distribution Center will take food donations during its regular business hours at both its thrift shop and its food distribution center in Scottsboro. For large donations or drop-offs, please call (256)213-1899.
TNT Outreach Thrift Store will take nonperishable food donations, blankets and clothing to distribute to the needy throughout Jackson County.
Where Hope Begins began a food drive to restock its shelves to help the needy in Jackson County; please contact for drop-off times.
Bruce’s Foodland in Scottsboro will have Community Care Bags available for $20. Those who purchase the bags may donate them to people in person or leave them for distribution. Purchased bags will be distributed to the Upper Sand Mountain Parish, Scottsboro First United Methodist Church, Fort Payne Methodist Church and Calvary Baptist Church in Stevenson.
The NAPC along with other local organizations will be taking nonperishable food donations and other essential items through Nov. 15, at the Exxon at the corner of Parks Avenue and Broad Street in Scottsboro and at Piggly Wiggly in Scottsboro.
The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce will have its Great Emissary Gobble Drive. From now until Nov. 20, donations of nonperishable foods will be accepted at Country Financial the Barbara Parker Agency, Hollywood 10 Cinema, Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Family Security Credit Union.
One unique aspect that stood out for people of Jackson County is this community’s willingness to help neighbors in need. Let’s continue that tradition of helping our neighbors during this hardship.
